May 25 {boy+dog}

I snapped this on my way to bed, when the house was dark and quiet, after tucking Maxine into her bed.

I can't imagine anything cuter than a boy and his (poor-pitiful-shaved-for-the-summer) dog (who never sleeps in a bed) snuggled up for the night.

Pup Photography

Our dear friend and photographer is hosting a pup-photography-contest. I entered our girls...but had such a difficult time choosing a photo! I think they make great subjects and love to photograph them!

To vote, visit and become a fan of Jill Heupel Photography on Facebook. Then check out her contest and "like" your favorite pooch!

*Ahem, that would be Phoebe.
:)

Happy 14th Phoebe!

It takes work...

..to be this beautiful.

(even it's a face only a mother could love)

 Thanks for loving me through it all, Friend.

Missed Moments: Summer Evenings

Our first summer in this house was busy in spending our time between work, helping Oma, and trying to make our new house a home.
Cole made sure we made some time for fun as much as was possible. One of his favorites over the summer was helping to water the few plants we had around. I hope that he will carry his 'helpful' spirit with him for many years!

poor pooch

Look what I did to our poor dog.

Hey Lita, Which is worse...running from Katrina, or dealing with this new haircut?

I think the look on her face says it all...

Jobs

We all have our jobs.  Phoebe and Lita hold down the fort at home while we are away. 

Derek does genius things with DNA.  He does things with science that will help prevent and cure for illness and disease.  These things are far beyond my imagination and ability to understand.

Cole goes to Jessica's house where he learns about social skills, counting, colors, pottying, and much more!

I spend my days with adults who have mental illness.  It's never dull and I work for an awesome agency and with amazing people.

 Phoebe and Lita have it really rough though, right?  

Happy 13th Birthday, Phoebe!

Happy Birthday, Phoebe! I can't believe that we've been partners in crime for thirteen years!
We've lived in: Red Bud, Belleville, Atlanta, Athens, Belleville, and St. Louis.
We've lived with: Sheri & Jamie, Melissa, by ourselves (you were my guard dog!), with Derek, then we added Lolita, and finally we added Cole!
You are such a trooper!
I love you, girl!

Josh & Courtney's Rockin' Awesome Apartment

 Josh and Courtney live in a sweet apartment in Soulard....

 ...and they were kind and gracious enough to have us over for New Year's Day for food and drink.  They were wonderful hosts! 

Emma shared her home and attention with Cole...and got plenty of lovin' in return!

We welcome 2010 with love and food!

We spent NYE 09 with Na & G. We took the pups and spent the night as to avoid any driving after dark! We had a fondue spread and all ended up asleep before even the East Coast ball dropped! So, I guess we welcome a peaceful & restful 2010!

My Resolutions:

Serve & eat dinner at the table as a family.

Run 500 miles. (Sounds big? Break it down, it's just 10 miles a week.)

Achieve my goal weight and stay there.

Daddy's Girls

Human Retriever

doghouse